Are Springtails Dangerous?

What do you think of when you hear the name springtail? Well, if you think about it, maybe you are reminded of Tigger. You know, T-I-double-guh-ER!. After all, Tiggers' tops are made out of rubber, and their bottoms are made out of springs. Well, it just so happens that real springtails are also able to spring. These tiny creatures have an appendage called a "furcula" that loads like a spring and, upon release, will hurl a springtail into the air. This maneuver is often used when they need to spring away from danger.

Springtails are often mistaken for ants, fleas or termites. But they don't get into your pet's food dish like ants, they don't bite your ankles like fleas, and they don't destroy the wooden structures in your home like termites. In fact, they really don't do any damage at all. But they are annoying. And since they are able to congregate in large numbers, they can cause fear and concern to homeowners.

Why are springtails showing up in your home?

Chances are, if you are seeing springtails, they are appearing in places in your home that tend to have a lot of humidity or moisture. You see, springtails thrive in humid, moist areas, places such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and crawlspaces. They can also be found behind walls, or underneath mulch. Often when their population becomes large, they will spread out, looking for new places to occupy. If they are near your home, they may find their way inside. This being said, there are several things you can do to prevent a springtail infestation. Consider the following:

Use dehumidifiers and fans to dry out the air in your home.

Fix any leaky pipes, sinks, tubs, and toilets and dry up any spills from these leaks.

Remove any standing water from around your house and yard.

Remove leaf piles and grass clippings where springtails and other pests like to hide.

Consider putting a barrier of crushed rocks around the perimeter of your home, to keep moisture away.

Carefully inspect the outside of your home for gaps and cracks and seal all holes using a caulking gun.

Trim back all bushes and shrubs from the outside of your home. Pests use these things as bridges.

If you are already seeing springtails in your home, be aware that they can be difficult to get rid of using over-the-counter products, as many of these products are not effective. Also, be aware that if springtails are getting in, there is a good chance other pests are getting in as well, pests that are far more dangerous and destructive. If you would like to know for sure exactly what pests may be lurking inside your home, just out of sight, the professionals here at Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions would be glad to come and do a FREE home inspection. You don't have to live with springtails, or any other household pest, Rottler can help.